Men's Soccer

Men's Soccer Downs National Champion UCLA 2-1 In Spring Season Action

Apr 16, 2003

April 16, 2003

Santa Barbara, Calif. -
In preparation to defend their second consecutive Big West Conference title, the UC Santa Barbara men's soccer team has left little doubt as to how strong they will be in 2003. As they approach the end of their spring schedule, the Gauchos have gone undefeated (6-0-2) in eight matches against some very tough competition.

In a showdown with defending national champion UCLA, UCSB, who ended the 2002 season ranked 21st in the nation, downed the Bruins 2-1 with goals by Drew McAthy and Pat Scott. McAthy, now a focal point of the Gauchos' attack with the departure of All-American Rob Friend to graduation, has tallied a team-high eight goals in eight matches. Gene Deering is second on the team, netting three goals this spring.

UCSB has also a recorded wins over Division II National Runner-Up Cal State Dominquez Hills (3-1) and the Blue Stars (1-0) of the PDL, a team that featured German striker, four-time World Cup participant, and 1995 World Soccer Player of the Year Jurgen Klinsmann.